Air India Flight Diverted to Vienna Due to Wrong Aircraft Model

Air India flight AI187 from Delhi to Toronto was diverted to Vienna due to the incorrect aircraft model used for the route. The flight took off at 2:22 AM local time and landed in Vienna at 7:24 AM, after a two-hour stopover, before continuing on to Toronto.

The airline had previously used a Boeing 787-9 with increased maximum takeoff weight (iMTOW), which allows for longer routes or more payload capacity. Air India received two new 787-9s in January and May 2026, respectively, both equipped with the iMTOW feature.

Boeing's certification of the increased maximum takeoff weight provides airlines with flexibility to improve route performance while maintaining fuel efficiency. The approval allows for an additional 10,000 pounds (4,540 kilograms) on the Boeing 787-9 and 14,000 pounds (6,350 kilograms) on the Boeing 787-10, enabling operators to carry more payload or extend routes by hundreds of miles.